Alaska, United States
Navigate the iceberg fields of Prince William Sound on a day cruise from Valdez. See one of the fastest-moving tidewater glaciers in the world.
4.9 from 301 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Select a cruise departing from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor.
Most bookedThis 6-hour tour explores the fjords and passageways of the Prince William Sound in route to South-central Alaska's largest tidewater glacier – Columbia Glacier. Your...
Top ratedThis 7.5 to 8 hour excursion is ideal for the traveler who is looking to discover all of what Prince William Sound has to offer – amazing glaciers and exciting...
From$206per person
Best for: extended prince william sound exploration
Small groupEmbark on a mesmerizing Matanuska Glacier Hike, expertly guided for an immersive adventure through Alaska's icy wonders. With the added convenience of a small group...
Explore
Understand the locations you will see on the 80-mile round-trip journey.
3 spotsValdez Harbor AreaThe departure point for cruises and a hub of local maritime history.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsPrince William SoundA 2,500-square-mile marine habitat with deep fjords and wildlife.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsColumbia BayThe altered landscape left by a rapidly retreating tidewater glacier.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The glacier discharges roughly 8 million tons of ice into the sea each year.
This massive volume creates a dense iceberg field spanning several miles.
Plan your visit
A standard public cruise lasts about 6 hours. Expect an 80-mile round trip.
Tours operate from mid-May through mid-September. The region is inaccessible by tour boat in winter.
Drive 5 to 6 hours from Anchorage via the Richardson Highway. Alternatively, take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Whittier.
Adult tickets for a 6-hour cruise cost approximately $180. Child fares are usually around $90.
The Columbia Glacier covers roughly 400 square miles in south-central Alaska. Its source sits at elevations over 9,000 feet in the Chugach Mountains. The ice flows rapidly toward the sea, moving up to 80 feet per day. The resulting calving creates a massive Columbia Bay that blocks large vessels from reaching the ice face.
Cruises depart from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor and cross Prince William Sound. This 2,500-square-mile marine habitat is home to sea otters, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. The boat journey takes roughly 6 hours to cover the 80-mile round trip. Operators provide commentary on the glacier's rapid retreat and local maritime history.
Since the early 1980s, the glacier has receded more than 10.5 miles. It has lost half of its total volume. You will navigate through miles of floating ice, requiring a skilled captain and sturdy catamaran. Read our guide on Marine Wildlife Guide to know what to look for along the route.
We check if the tour uses stable catamarans suited for iceberg fields.
We compare 6-hour Columbia trips against longer 8-hour Meares Glacier options.
We list which operators provide complimentary hot drinks and meals.
From Viator
301 reviews of the columbia glacier cruise on Viator
The best Alaska boat tour I have been on to date. The crew was polite, knowledgeable and eager to assist in any way. The boat was extremely clean and in order. The captain was very educated in all the areas of the tour. Would love to go again.
It was rainy and foggy the day we went, but we ended up not minding it at all. The fog made everything look magical and this turned out to be a great rainy day activity. Lunch was chowder and a bagel (veg options available). Unfortunately, we did not really get close to the glacier because of all the ice, but even going through the ice was fun.
What a great experience! The boat is comfortable, the captain was informative and easy going. We were able to see many types of wildlife. It was very relaxing we would definitely do it again!
The boat was in great shape and the personal on the boat were very attentive with the guest. We got up close to the glacier and got some great pictures.
This cruise was awsome. We saw so many animals: orcas, humpback, seals, birds and even a black bear on the side of the mountain. The glaciers were beautiful! The crew was very friendly.
Great Tour! The boat had many different levels so everyone could get a good view of all the whales. It also had a nice sound system so we could hear the whales.
Great guide and stops!! Taylor was awesome and super engaging!! Highly recommend whenever in Anchorage!!
great stops. knowledgeable and very kind. gave us ample of time to explore each area we stopped at. i would use Ty again if we came back to Alaska.
An amazing experience! Best part of our stay in Anchorage. The day was well organized. From the pickup at our hotel through our guide on the glacier. On the glacier it was “where do I point my camera first!”. The experience of hiking on a glacier will be remembered forever.
Travel tips
Columbia vs MearesCompare the massive iceberg fields of Columbia with Meares Glacier.Read 
What to WearPack warm layers, a windproof jacket, and nonslip shoes.Read 
Cruise Cost BreakdownFind out exactly how much a Valdez glacier cruise costs for your trip.Read 
Marine Wildlife GuideSpot sea otters, seals, and whales on your Prince William Sound cruise.Read 
Seasickness PreventionHow to prevent motion sickness on your Prince William Sound cruise.Read 
Kids on the CruisePlan a family-friendly Columbia Glacier cruise with child tickets.Read Typical public cruises to Columbia Glacier last around 6 hours. They depart from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor and travel approximately 80 miles round-trip.
You might see humpback whales or orcas feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. However, sightings are not guaranteed. You will likely see sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. See Marine Wildlife Guide for more.
Adult tickets for a 6-hour public cruise cost approximately $180. Children's tickets are around $90. Prices change depending on the operator and season. Review Cruise Cost Breakdown for details.
Columbia is rapidly retreating and leaves a massive iceberg field that boats cannot fully penetrate. Meares is an advancing, actively calving tidewater glacier that boats can approach more closely. Check Columbia vs Meares to compare.
Yes. The operating season runs strictly from mid-May through mid-September. Boats have limited capacity and often sell out during the peak summer months.
The rapid retreat began in the early 1980s due to complex climate and glacial dynamics. Since then, it has receded more than 10.5 miles and lost half its total volume.
Secure your seats early, as the summer season runs for just four months.
